Midnight this Friday March 7th the countdown concludes. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire will be live on VUDU.

The first Hunger Games film was a critical and commercial success. A hard film to match. Yet Catching Fire surpasses it on nearly all levels with higher stakes, better special effects, more character development, an expanded cast and even less shaky-cam.

Jennifer Lawrence returns as Katniss Everdeen

Other highlights of the film, directed by Francis Lawrence, include stunningly-designed set pieces, a few unexpected plot twists, and predictably excellent acting by Jennifer Lawrence, whose film-ending scene showcases her ability convey emotion subtly and powerfully. Catching Fire also includes one of the final performances by the late Philip Seymour Hoffman, who plays new head gamesmaker Plutarch Heavensbee.

The relationship between Peeta and Katniss smolders. Will it catch?

Bigger set pieces and action scenes

The first Hunger Games film grossed $691 million domestically and internationally. Catching Fire hit $863 million. The next film, The Hunger Games: Mockingjay, will be split into two parts, with the first hitting theaters this November. In the meantime, enjoy the imminent release of one the biggest blockbusters of 2013!